Press
Texas State Railroad in the Media
Watch as Roseann Rogers with KPRC Houston's "What's The Buzz" takes you on a tour of the historic Texas State Railroad.
You can download the video, or watch it on YouTube.
Film Production at the Texas State Railroad
Since 1977 the Texas State Railroad has appeared in several movies, television series, commercials and music videos.
*Dates listed are release dates.
Movies
- 2007, The Great Debaters (Denzel Washington)
2001, American Outlaws (Timothy Dalton, Kathy Bates, Colin Farrell)- 2000, O Brother, Where Art Thou? (George Clooney, John Goodman)
- 1997, Rough Riders (Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott)
- 1996, Lily Dale (Jean Stapleton)
- 1995, Streets of Laredo (James Garner)
- 1995, A Woman of Independent Means (Sally Field)
- 1994, The Gambler V: Playing for Keeps (Kenny Rogers)
- 1992, Where the Red Fern Grows: Part II
- 1989, The Fulfillment of Mary Gray (Cheryl Ladd)
- 1988, After the Rain
- 1986, Dallas: The Early Years
- 1986, Uphill All the Way (Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, Burl Ives)
- 1981, The Long Summer of George Adams (James Garner, Joan Hackett)
- 1980, Soggy Bottom, USA
- 1980, The Long Riders (Dennis Quaid, Stacy Keach, David Carradine)
Television Series and Special Productions
- 2003, The Blues, PBS Series
- 2001, American Airlines, Training Film
- 2000, Robbie Knievel Head-On Train Jump, Live broadcast FOX Network
- 2000, 5th & Vine, TV Pilot
- 1993, Walker, Texas Ranger (Chuck Norris)
- 1989, Ramada Inn, Training Film
- 1978, "Visions" Charlie Smith and the Fritter Tree
Documentaries
- 1999, Crucible of Empire: The Spanish American War
- 1998, The Oil Boom of Northern Louisiana
- 1998, On the Wings of Ezekiel
Commercials
- 1994, Levi Strauss - Winner of the 1994 Grand Cleo Award (selected the Best
Worldwide Commercial)
Click here to watch commercial on YouTube - 1985, General Coffee Company
- 1982, Chattanooga Chewing Tobacco
Music Videos
- 1999, O Brother, Where Are Thou? "I Am A Man of Constant Sorrows"
- 1997, Hoochie Coochie Man - German music video
- 1987, Mack Abernathy
Texas State Railroad Now Offering Premium Seating!
Released: March 1, 2011
The Lone Star Class provides new experience during train rides.
Rusk, Texas - The Texas State Railroad is excited to introduce a new premium class of service during steam train excursions.
The new Lone Star Class of service features climate-controlled seating at tables, a personal car attendant, beverage and snack service, and a souvenir refillable tumbler. Customers can choose to sit in a private Adult Only car for ages 18 and over or in the Family Car for all ages.
“Due to the high demand of premium service at tourist railroads, we converted our three climate-controlled cars into premium seating by adding tables and a personal car attendant,” said Marketing Manager, Lori Pennington. “Our Lone Star Class is an excellent value with the highest level of customer service.”
During the 2011 season, train excursions will depart from the Rusk Depot, a cash bar will be available on the train with beer and wine sales, and “The Lone Ranger” will be featured on each train ride.
Tickets for Lone Star Class seating are $79 for Adults and $45 for Children (ages 2-11) including lunch. Standard seating is also available in Coach and Open-Air Cars. Tickets are available online at www.TexasStateRR.com or by calling 1-888-987-2461.
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Engineer at Texas State Railroad Retires
After 36 Years of Service
Released: February 11, 2011
Roger Graham, Texas State Railroad Chief Mechanical Officer, will retire from the railroad after over 36 years of service, on February 16, 2011.
During his time at the Texas State Railroad Graham held many titles. He began as a part of the Bridge and Track Crew, and then worked as locomotive hostler and fireman. In 1977 he was promoted to engineer on both steam and diesel locomotives. Graham has also played a vital role in training, shop operations, and engine restoration, including the recent restoration of Engine 300 in September 2009 and the current restoration of Engine 400.
“I really have enjoyed working with all the people at the railroad,” said Roger Graham. “And seeing the smiles on riders’ faces and hope they enjoyed what we do as much as I have enjoyed doing it.”
While at the Texas State Railroad, Roger Graham had the opportunity to pull some important trains. He was part of 18 films shot at the railroad; some of the notable films are “The Great Debaters” and “American Outlaws.” He also pulled most of the Governor’s trains starting with Dolph Briscoe all the way to Rick Perry, only missing George Bush. Graham has given over 36 years of service to the Texas State Railroad and his knowledge and experience are very much appreciated.
"Old Engineers never retire they just keep on 'steaming' through life. Roger Graham has been a true team member at the Texas State Railroad for 36 years willing to be a leader at every assigned task. In fact there is probably no job at the railroad that Roger has not done. We will all miss him day to day, but somehow I think he will always be a part of the Texas State Railroad's future," said American Heritage Railways owner, Allen C. Harper.
Romantic Valentine's Dinner Trains Scheduled at the
Texas State Railroad
Released: January 21, 2011
The Texas State Railroad is holding two Valentine’s Dinner Trains on Saturday, Feb. 12 and Monday, Feb. 14. “Our Love is On the Line” Dinner train is a romantic evening train excursion complete with a three-course meal, candlelight setting, and live musical entertainment.
Dinner entrée options include Cider Marinated Ribeye Steaks or Grilled Salmon Fillet with Blackberry Cilantro Sauce paired with complimentary side dishes and an option of German Chocolate Pie or Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake to be served with coffee on the return trip from the Mewshaw Siding. Guests may bring one bottle of wine to enjoy with the meal.
“Our dinner trains have become very popular,” said Lori Pennington, Marketing Manager. “The Valentine’s Dinner train is a very romantic and unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!”
The champagne reception and live musical entertainment begins at 6:30 pm at the Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot and the dinner train departs at 7:30 pm and returns at approximate 9:30 pm. Tickets are $110.00 per person for ages 21 and over.
Seating is limited and advance reservations are required. Last date to book tickets is Friday, Feb. 11 at noon. For reservations visit www.TexasStateRR.com or call 1-888-987-2461.
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Texas State Railroad Wins Two Awards for TV Commercial!
The Texas State Railroad won two 1st place awards in the Texas Association & Convention Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) Idea Fair at the organization’s annual conference in Lubbock last week. The Texas State Railroad won 1st place in the DVD Category and also 1st Place in the Judges Choice Award for Best DVD.
“We are very excited to win these two 1st place awards,” said Lori Pennington, Marketing Manager. “It was a great honor to have tourism professionals from across the state of Texas vote on our TV Commercial. We really enjoyed creating the commercial and we were so happy to be able to enter it in the Idea Fair.”
The TACVB Annual Conference allows members throughout the state to come together for the purpose of education, networking, promotional idea inspiration and other important travel and convention related topics. Each year, members are invited to take part in the “Idea Fair” to display the different campaigns and programs that were initiated during that year. Members and Judges vote on a winning entry for each of the eight categories.
The Texas State Railroad TV Commercial was produced by H3 Media: Platinum Advertising Agency out of Tyler, Texas. “We really enjoyed working with the H3 Team. They helped us develop a beautiful and artistic TV Commercial that we can use for years to come,” said Pennington.
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Click here to view the TV Commercial on YouTube
Season Passes Now Available! Buy yours today!
Texas State Railroad Seasons Passes are now available! Visit the Texas State Railroad as much as you want at a great discount!
A Season pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase on advanced reservations on any steam or diesel regular train excursion in coach, open air, or climate controlled seating (based on availability). The cost of a season pass is a regular priced excursion (including all special events except for Day Out With Thomas™) plus $25 for ages 3 & over. The season pass is valid on the following excursions: Pineywoods Excursion, Maydelle Turntable Special, Jarvis Wye Special, Sunday Family BBQ Excursion, Dogwood Excursions, Fall Fest Excursions, and National Holiday Excursions.
Season pass holders also will receive the following benefits:
- 15% Discount on: TSRR Dinner Trains & Photo Excursions
- 10% Discount on: Retail Purchases in the TSRR Gift Shops on purchases of $25 or more.
- 10% Discount on: Camping at TSRR RV Park & Campgrounds
- 50% Discount on: Our sister railroads - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad & Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Standard Class. Not valid on special events and based on availability.
Purchase your season pass today when you book your reservation online or by calling our reservation office at 1-888-987-2461.
To recieve a press kit or hi-resolution photos please contact our Marketing Department..
E-mail or Direct: 903-683-3093
The Texas State Railroad has many interesting stories! Here are a couple of story ideas to get you started:
- The great history of the Texas State Railroad
- Family oriented destination with many special events for children of all ages
- TSRR is known as the "Official Railroad of Texas"
- Current restoration projects: TSRR is currently restoring Steam Engines that were built in the early 1900's and also passenger cars that were built in the 1920's.
- The Maintenance of Way Crew that maintains the track and bridges along our 25 miles of track between both depots.
- The cities of Palestine & Rusk.
- The Texas State Railroad is operated by American Heritage Railways, a premier tourist railroad company that owns and operates the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
